We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Five Ten Freerider Contact Cycling Shoe – Women’s and summarize the results below:
Universal Ranking
PeakScore: 86 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.4 stars 
Expert Rating: 4.1 stars 
Number of Ratings Reviewed: 109
Pros & Cons
Reasons to buy:
User Reviews
- The sticky soles keep feet from bouncing around on the pedals.
- Stickier rubber than other brands and even other models by FiveTen.
- Flexible enough for walking, but also stiff enough for hard riding.
- Good power transfer while pedaling.
- Firm and sticky contact with the pedals due to the flat sole.
- The toes are well-protected.
- Breathes very well.
Expert Reviews
- Exceedingly soft and sticky rubber soles.
- Provides efficient power transfer.
- The stiff sole helps protect from foot fatigue.
- Offers good protection from rocks.
- Breathes well and dries quickly.
- Closest to feeling locked into the pedals without having clips.
- A smooth section on the sole allows the rider to more easily adjust the shoe on the pedal.
Reasons NOT to buy:
User Reviews
- The shoes run a bit small (about half a size).
- The toe box can be quite uncomfortable, particularly from the thick stitching on the inside.
- The shoe puts pressure on the foot that can make it go numb.
- Not very durable.
Expert Reviews
- Not very comfortable, particularly in the toe box and arch, although changing out the insoles can help.
- Does not keep feet dry in wet conditions.
- The soft rubber wears out quickly, and the shoe lacks durability overall.
- Expensive, especially considering the lack of durability.
- Deforms on pedal pins.
Summary:
The Five Ten Freerider Contact Cycling Shoe for women is a highly breathable shoe with extraordinarily sticky rubber that keeps feet almost glued to the pedals. The softness of the rubber works with the stiff sole to create a sticky shoe with great power transfer, but also compromises on durability, wearing out quickly, especially considering the price. While this shoe is a favorite for its grip on pedals and flexibility for walking, it is not as comfortable as many other models, particularly in the tight toe box, and is overall more appropriate for people with low-volume feet.